Former NRNA President Slams Foreign Embassies for Inadequate Service to Nepali Citizens Abroad

Kathmandu. Former President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Rajendra Kumar (RK) Sharma, has expressed dissatisfaction with the working style of Nepali embassies abroad.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the NRNA General Assembly held in Kathmandu, he stated that embassies have failed to act as true guardians for Nepalis living overseas. He noted that Nepali workers and the diaspora face various problems due to the embassies' inability to provide adequate services.

According to Sharma, embassies are currently focused only on limited administrative tasks such as passport renewals. He demanded that the government improve the structure and working style to make them service-oriented, technology-friendly, and accountable.

"When Nepalis abroad face hardship, the first place they think of is the embassy, but upon reaching there, they often face further distress," he said.

He specifically pointed out that the role of embassies has been weak in cases of legal issues, health crises, and exploitation by employers among Nepalis working in the Middle East and Malaysia. He stressed the need for an effective mechanism to rescue stranded Nepalis, ensure justice, and listen to their grievances.

Sharma emphasized that embassies must become citizen-friendly and present themselves as companions in the joys and sorrows of Nepalis.

During his address, he also stated that the NRNA must unite to ensure the rights of non-resident Nepalis and contribute to Nepal's development.

He mentioned that all non-resident Nepalis should move forward unitedly by ending the disputes and factionalism seen within the organization.

Sharma urged the NRNA to function as an effective bridge between the government and the diaspora, and also drew the government's attention to resolving the shortage of manpower in the embassies.